nomad campaigns are tough... I've played as Sauromatae up till 230 BC I think, but I stopped... this time around I'll continue until I beat everyone or am beaten
and if I am beaten by a rival super power of the time, I'll go down swingin'!

yeah Sauromatae seems to have a strong lead, I think I will go with them, unless something miraculous happens with the voting...

any advice guys?

I think it's hard but if possible, hitting Hayasdan really fast can knock them out and will allow the player to seize the Caucasus provinces which have mines...
biggest issue will be the beginning, trying to survive and get out of debt, from then on its easier as the momentum builds